Trip to Smokemont North Carolina Best Route?

[flaitguy]

In September we are planning a trip to Smokemont Campground on the edge of the Smokies.

We have a 38 foot 15k fiver and a 3500 diesel dually to pull it. We DO NOT have , yet, an exhaust brake , though we plan on it. 2 Questions.

1. Is it ok to do this without an exhaust brake and coming from Florida , what is our best route?

Originally, Google says 95 turn onto 26 in SC then up to Ashville, left on 40 I believe and along the Parkway, which I think has tunnels.

From what I am hearing that area from Maggie Valley to Cherokee could be rough and I read that the parkway is restrictive to commercial vehicles anyway,.

The other option is I-75 up through Georgia, either through Atlanta or off towards Athens up the 129? to 144 to 23 or 74 but probably 23, then the last 17 miles is 441 through Bryson City, Cherokee and finally the entrance to Smokemont Campground.

The latter seems to make the most sense, but what is that like for grades going up then back down? Will that route be good? Will we wish we had an exhaust brake?

[znt1186]

Come on up through Asheville on 26 to 40 west. Get off 40 west onto 74 west at exit 27. Get onto 441 north right in to Cherokee. No really bad grades that way. It is also 4 lane to Cherokee. Piece o cake.

[flaitguy]

Originally Posted by znt1186

Come on up through Asheville on 26 to 40 west. Get off 40 west onto 74 west at exit 27. Get onto 441 north right in to Cherokee. No really bad grades that way. It is also 4 lane to Cherokee. Piece o cake.

Cool thanks. Slightly more mileage but slightly less time, I assume because I am on 4 lane highway 90% of the time.

Wont need the exhaust brake this time then?

[znt1186]

Won't need the exhaust brake on the way up. Going back down 26, if that is the way you return, the grade is around 6% for about 2-3 miles. Just slow down at the top of the grade and gear down, you should be fine.